By Libby Criswell

The Hills & Dales Estate will be spreading Christmas cheer as it hosts its ninth annual Children’s Christmas Celebration on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

“It’s a wonderful way for [kids] to learn about the estate and what the Callways do for the community,” said Christy Gresley, the communications manager at Hills & Dales. “It’s a great social time for children to get excited about the holidays.”

During the event, children will have the opportunity to participate in Christmas activities like building gingerbread houses, creating Christmas ornaments and visiting with Santa, who will be there from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. In past years, more than 350 children have attended, and families are encouraged to arrive early to ensure that their kids have a gingerbread house to decorate.

There will also be a holiday sing-a-long and story time led by musician Robin Treadwell and storyteller Debbie Burdette.

“It’s a great time for families to connect and get to enjoy each others’ company,” Gresley said.

All children are invited and encouraged to attend this free event and have fun participating in holiday activities while spending time with their families.

“[The Children’s Christmas Celebration] has been a long-standing tradition of ours,” Gresley said. “The more we can do for the local children, the better.”